On 08/03/2009 10:31 AM, John Wesley wrote:
2009/8/2 Stuart Matheson <stuart.j.mathe...@gmail.com
<mailto:stuart.j.mathe...@gmail.com>>
Hi Everyone,
I did a quick search of the HantsLUG list and couldn't find
anything appropriate so please let me know if I've missed something.
My girlfriend is moving out of her current splace and will no
longer have access to the expert she had there (ie someone with an
xbox with xbmc). I'm looking for a quiet multimedia PC that can be
plugged into a TV for watching iplayer, youtube and other online
video as well as video files and possibly a dvd (I have an
external dvd player she could use though so it isn't a deal
breaker). She said the xbox was quite noisy though so she'd like
something quiet. Something that shouldn't have much trouble
running something like xbmc (which she is familiar with, or any
other easy to use program) and can connect to a SD tv would be
great. A remote will also likely be required. An internal or
external HDD would be fine as I have one spare. She is also
interested in wii fit so a nintendo might be an option, but I have
no idea if it would fit the bill in regards to the other requirements.
What can people recommend for this (unit and remote)? It doesn't
necessary have to be brand new so 2nd hand laptops/refurbished PCs
aren't out of the question. Like most people (or in her case,
public servants) she is pretty skint so the cheaper the better.
All suggestions welcome :)
Cheers,
Stuart
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I spec'd up something that does this (and is intended to be a PVR too)
over the weekend, though it's probably overkill for what you really want:
motherboard: http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11471 (£140)
case: http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=12418 (£50)
hard drive: http://linitx.com/viewcategory.php?catid=105&pp=100,105
<http://linitx.com/viewcategory.php?catid=105&pp=100,105> (£100)
keyboard:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-920-00586-diNovo-Mini/dp/B0012NIYSO (£90)
memory: http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11106 (£15)
tv card:
http://www.dabs.com/products/hauppauge-wintv-nova-t-digital-dvb-t-usb-stick-42PG.html
(£30) -- probably not required for this
Install Mythbuntu and you're done
ta
jonh (trying desperately to ignore the WMC flamewar)
Or if you don't want to build it yourself:
http://www.svp.co.uk/systems-pcs/value/pc-asrock-ion-330-pc-system-no-os-black_mte-01011.html
Dual core ion system, tiny case, from all reports it is silent in
operation. Uses NVIDIA's ION platform so you can run VDPAU to offload
all the graphics load for high def content (1080p). It is dual core so
should be reasonably OK for you tube content etc.
For remote the easiest to get working is probably the MCE version 2 remote:
You need the one that looks like this, I couldn't find a shop I know
that sells them on-line
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=mce+remote&oe=utf-8&hl=en&cid=7426765364015426615&sa=title#p
The USB tv card linked by John works for me, but I have a friend who
runs one any has a world of pain with kernel and usb issues.
http://www.dabs.com/products/hauppauge-wintv-nova-t-digital-dvb-t-usb-stick-42PG.html
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Please post to: Hampshire@mailman.lug.org.uk
Web Interface: https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/hampshire
LUG URL: http://www.hantslug.org.uk
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